PHOTO JOURNEY KYRGYZSTAN & KAZAKHSTAN
Best of both worlds! A photo trip to both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan all in one trip. A trip where landscapes from all continents seem to pass by and yet are unique as you have never seen them before. A trip that continues to enchant you from the first photo location to the last. Of course for the landscape photographer this trip is an experience you will never forget but also for the bird and wildlife lover there is a lot to experience. Both countries located in Central Asia are still relatively unknown to the general public so while photographing in the mornings and evenings you will hardly meet anyone else except the travel companions and locals. Besides all the unique landscapes we will also introduce you to the culture! In short, a trip where nothing is missing and where we have a common goal: Coming home with beautiful pictures and memories!
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WHAT TO EXPECT?
The trip is during the period when the landscapes are covered with flowers. Most of the locations we will visit are easily accessible if you have an average level of fitness. We will not be climbing high mountain peaks but to see a little more of an area we will definitely do short hikes. After all, you do want to see all the beauty. This is a perfect trip for both the novice photographer and the more experienced and the guides will do everything they can to teach you more about landscape photography. The trip also includes a "Compositions in the Landscape" workshop and "Photographing the Milky Way" workshop. You will also get free access to an online workshop 'Editing in Lighroom' after the trip. Upon arrival of the trip, we will meet a local who will teach you a bit of knowledge about the culture of both countries. As icing on the camera, we will also visit an Eagle Hunter in Kyrgyzstan! A shepherd on horseback with a huge bird of prey, a piece of culture that should not be missed during the trip.
ALL INCLUDED
All trips from 2025 are fully inclusive. That means we have a local driver driving us through the countries, all meals are included, all accommodations (on a shared room basis), access to all the parks and lots of culture added to the trip. Our guides no longer drive themselves but are 100% your photo guide during this trip. Everything is arranged by local entrepreneurs, so all the paperwork is in order and we can do what we do best: show you the most beautiful places! Oh and did you know that we also support a local project with every trip? More about that later!
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THE PROGRAM
DAG 1
The trip starts in Kazakhstan on May 30, 2025. Please note that we start at noon and the flights in Almaty arrive in the night. We advise you to catch a flight the day before so that everyone is present as soon as we start. We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your first accommodation. Bedtime! We'll see you again tomorrow at noon!
We begin with an introduction where we get to know each other and go through the entire program from start to finish. Then it's time for the first photography location. We will travel to Assy Plateau! A valley over 40km long at an altitude of 2100 to 2800m above sea level. In this valley we will pass several beautiful locations where the first splendor of Kazakhstan will taste. We will stay in the evening in the same hotel as last night.
DAG 2
Today we get up early because we are going out for a sunrise at Yssyk Lake. From the parking lot it is a short 10-minute walk to the lake. The green-blue water already catches the eye during the walk there. Here you can enjoy yourself with all your lenses. If you walk a little further you will also come across some white birches in the beautiful water. Should you like long shutter speeds, this is the perfect place for it. We are staying with a host family this night! Because of this you really get to know a piece of culture. Do not expect luxury, but love!
We photograph the sunset at the Singing Dunes. A giant sand dune in the middle of the mountains. We challenge you to climb to the top!
DAG 3
Another early morning is ahead. We travel before sunrise to Altyn Emel where we visit the 400-million-year-old Aktau Mountains. This place is very photogenic both from the ground and with a drone. Fresh green trees against the red mountains or the light blue glow from the sky, a color palette you can go in any direction. Pay attention along the way because we spotted the Kulan (a wild donkey) and many birds of prey.
In the afternoon we drive to our next destination where we will also stay. We are going to Charyn Canyon. Here you literally walk from your accommodation into the nature reserve where you can photograph both up and down the canyon. Take your time here because there is so much to see. Choices!
DAG 4
We start the morning at another spot in Charyn Canyon. For this we have to drive about 10 minutes. At the far end, a winding river pops up with green trees on either side making for a nice contrast with the red mountains. After sunrise we have some breakfast and have time to rest until we continue our journey to.... Kyrgyzstan!
Along the way we stop along the route when something beautiful pops up. In the evening we get a wonderful show by traditional Eagle Hunters. Have your camera ready because they are lightning fast!
DAG 5
Wake up!!! We have to get up early for our sunrise location. We are going to Chon Ashuu Valley. This valley sits at a high altitude so make sure you have warm clothes with you. It can be very cold here in the early morning. We will drive back to the accommodation after the sun is well up so you can get some rest. In the afternoon we have an Editing Workshop scheduled.
In the evening we travel for sunset to Issyk Kol Lake.
DAG 6
We have already seen several red mountains in recent days, but the one we will visit this morning is really red! We travel to the Jeti Oguz Mountains which we will photograph from several vantage points. After another moment of rest in the accommodation it is time to drive on to the next destination. We stay at a super cool location where you can literally photograph from your front door. At the end of the afternoon we leave for the golden hour and sunset to Fairy Canyon!
DAG 7
Step outside in the early morning, stretch and.... hike away! We are photographing the Valley of the Forgotten Rivers this morning. This unprecedented unique location is candy to photograph both with the drone and with your camera.
We spend the afternoon around our accommodation. You will have the opportunity to take another hike by yourself or take a nice refreshing dip in the lake. In the evening we will go photographing in Mars Canyon. The name says it all, as if you were on another planet!
DAG 8
We spend our last morning photographing at the very best place of the last few days, where do you want to go again? There we go! Today is also the day we drive on to our final destination, Bishkek. Here we will have a delicious sumptuous dinner together and then it is time to pack our bags. Most flights leave early in the morning or at night.
Oh, along the way, of course we also stop whenever we see something beautiful! We don't let a beautiful moment pass us by.
DAG 9
So long... it's over! We'll make sure you arrive safely at Bishkek airport and then wave you off. Do you have all the memories, SD cards and all your belongings with you?
THE GUIDES
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LAURA OPPELT
Cheerful, fit, enthusiastic and does not shy away from a challenge. With Laura as your guide you can be sure that you get all the attention you need and that no question is too crazy. If you have a question about the PhotoPills app, Laura is also your guide.
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JOS PANNEKOEK
By now Jos has done many trips for This Way and dives into the details of an area he goes to. Are you getting stuck with your compositions or would you like to learn more about post-processing your images? Jos is happy to help you.
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WHAT CAN I LEARN?
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PHOTOGRAPHING
- Composition tips
- Settings (ISO, shutter speed and aperture)
- Dealing with different types of light
- The use of filters
- Tripod or not
- Learn to understand your histogram
- Apps for preparation
- Focusstacking
- Creating panoramas
- Flying with the drone
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EXTRA TO THIS TRIP
- Free Compositions Workshop
- Free access to online Workshop on Editing in Lightroom
- Live editing of your photos
- Use of a LeoFoto tripod (if available)
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TRAVEL DETAILS
INCLUDING
- Transportation from Almaty Int. Airport in Kazakhstan (ALA)
- Transportation to Manas Int. Airport in Kyrgyzstan (FRU)
- All transportation and fuel during the tour unless you deviate from the schedule yourself
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks (coffee, tea and water)
- Accommodations for all days on a shared room basis in comfortable accommodations or lodges.
- Guidance from two landscape photographers
- Local guide
- Private driver for the group
- Any tickets for scheduled activities and parks
- WhatsApp group with all participants of the tour
- Access to online portal for "Editing in Lightroom" workshop.
- 'Compositions' Workshop
- Demonstration Eagle Hunters
- Help with visa if necessary
- Goodie bag with lots of useful and fun items
EXCLUSIVE
- Flight to Almaty Int Airport
- Flight from Manas Int. Airport in Kyrgyzstan
- Alcoholic refreshments
- Single room supplement €700 euro (if available)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Voluntary gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Sightseeing in Almaty beyond the trip
- Additional room rental in Almaty and Bishkek before or after the tour
DATE & DETAILS
May 30 - June 7, 2025
Guides: Jos Pannekoek and Laura Oppelt
- Minimum 6 - maximum 8 participants
- Condition level: light
- You must own your own camera
- Local currency in Kazakhstan is Tenge
- Local currency in Kyrgyzstan is Som
- Passport is necessary
PRICE & PAYMENT
- €4150 per person
- Deposit of €950 at time of booking
- Remaining invoice must be paid no later than 3 months before departure (Feb. 30, 2025)
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Beginning photographer or an experienced photographer? Everyone is welcome. However, it is important that you have your own camera. An average level of fitness during this trip is sufficient.
There are only 8 spots available! During the trip, two guides will be available to teach you anything you want. So don't hesitate to ask questions, nothing is too crazy.
This Way
PHOTO JOURNEY KAZAKHSTAN & KYRGYZSTAN
PHOTO JOURNEY KAZAKHSTAN & KYRGYZSTAN
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